We finished the day with the Agro-Ecosystem Unit. We learned about monitoring methods; identification of pollinators; habitat assessments and plant identification.
The Barley breeding program talked to us about the breeding pipeline of a cross to registered seed. The activities that happen throughout the year. Showed us some cleaning and quality processing. Then in the greenhouse dh transplanting and a crossing block.
Next was the genomics lab. Jasdeep and Lindsay; staff from the Wheat / Oat and Barley breeding programs- talked to use about the techniques that are use support efficiency to the cereal breeding pipelines. We even had a chance to pipette.
We then stopped into the Analytical Lab. Josh and Rob talked to us about the periodic table and methods that are utilized to conduct nutrient management research & and the support services that is offered to other programs.
We then went to the Hydrology lab. Learned about monitoring equipment and sampling techniques to get the samples to the lab. Kendra then showed us with organization she keeps four processes running at once.
We then went to the machine shed to check out all the specialized research seeding and harvesting equipment. And the hosts / parents treated the kids to pizza for lunch.
We joined up with other kids visiting on site at farm operations. We learned how all the land is managed when it is off rotation cycle for research, soil testing, nutrient management and all of the other services that they offer to provide research support to about 1800 acres.
It was take your kid to work day for grade 9 students. Started the day waiting for the train on first street and took a picture with Grandmaβs former plant.
@tlychuk showed us the sample process from receiving soil samples, drying and processing them to specific lab protocol requirements. Also visited the Soil Physics lab and learned about procedure for measuring organic matter and the elemental analyzer